Unlocking the Secrets of Swiss Glaciers: How Scientists Use Fiber Optics to Monitor Hidden Ice Quakes

A recent study at the Seismological Society of America’s 2025 Annual Meeting has unveiled an exciting new use for fiber-optic cables. Researchers found that these cables can accurately detect seismic activity beneath glaciers, particularly on Switzerland’s Gornergletscher, the second-largest glacier in the country. This discovery opens new doors in understanding glacier dynamics and climate change.

Seeing Under the Ice

Led by Tom Hudson and Andreas Fichtner from ETH Zürich, the team set up a 2D fiber-optic grid in a crevasse field on the Gornergletscher. Their aim was to capture subtle seismic signals from icequakes. Unlike traditional tectonic earthquakes that occur due to shear forces, icequakes are caused by cracks forming in the ice – a fascinating phenomenon to explore.

The fiber-optic cables collected data on 951 icequakes, offering a detailed look at the glacier’s internal stresses and fractures. This technique provides a unique understanding of glacier behavior, something traditional seismic instruments struggle to do.

Understanding Glacier Dynamics

Crevasses are not just superficial cracks; they also channel meltwater to the glacier’s base, influencing how fast the glacier moves. This is critical information as glaciers contribute to rising sea levels. Traditional seismic sensors often fail in such tricky terrains, but the fiber-optics adapted perfectly. They were installed as autumn gave way to winter, melting into the glacier during the day and solidifying at night for better data collection.

The ability to pick up low-frequency signals, which typically get lost in noise, allows scientists to monitor how the glacier is changing over time. Hudson and his team collected 20 times more data than what traditional seismic arrays could provide, gaining insights into how seismic waves travel through the glacier.

Wider Implications for Science

What began as a study of glaciers may have broader applications. The team at ETH Zürich believes this fiber-optic method could be beneficial for monitoring processes in carbon capture sites, geothermal systems, or even volcanic areas. If it works well in glaciers, the approach might be adaptable to other geological settings.

Additionally, the research can help predict how glaciers will respond to climate change, which is crucial as rising global temperatures increase glacial melt. According to the National Snow & Ice Data Center, glaciers account for about 70% of Earth’s freshwater, making their stability crucial for global water resources.

Future Goals

Hudson aims to create a three-dimensional map of the glacier’s interior. This 3D visualization will help quantify the density and extent of fractures, identifying areas most vulnerable to failure. This research could provide early warnings and better forecasting for regions at risk of accelerated melting.

“I want to understand how fragile the ice really is,” Hudson explains. His focus on these details may play a vital role in addressing the challenges posed by climate change and rising sea levels.

Ultimately, the use of fiber-optic technology in glacier research represents a promising advancement in our understanding of how climate shifts are affecting some of the world’s most critical environments.

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